Loading and unloading structure for external data storage devices

ABSTRACT

A loading and unloading structure for external data storage devices aims to rapidly load or unload hard disks, floppy disks or optical disks (called external data storage devices hereunder) from a corresponding disk rack. The external data storage devices may be directly mounted on the disk rack by sliding along the tracks of the disk rack and anchored through a positioning elastic member. It may be removed after releasing from the positioning elastic member, thereby to facilitate loading and unloading the external data storage devices.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a loading and unloading structure for external data storage devices and particularly to a structure for rapidly installing and removing external data storage devices from a corresponding disk rack.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the increasing need for custom-made computers and the fast turnaround from hot product to obsolete, it seems natural that consumers would prefer the opportunity to do it themselves. Frequent upgrades and hardware replacements, unlike other household appliances, often require disassembling the device to perform maintenance, testing and product upgrade.

External data storage devices such as hard disks, floppy disks, optical disks and the like usually are fixedly installed on a metal disk rack located in the computer casing. The external data storage device generally has two screw bores spaced at a selected interval on the left side and the right side. Screws are used to fasten the external data storage device to a horizontal and carved frame through the screw bores. Hence, screwdrivers are necessary to fasten or remove the external data storage device whether for assembling in the production line or removing and reinstallation by users.

The screwdriver is most effective when its front end is wedged normally in the notch of the nut. As screwdrivers have a selected length, a space is required for operation. Since the computer casing contains many different elements and flat cables, maneuvering the screwdriver for fastening or unfastening screws is often hindered and awkward. Moreover, the computer casing usually has a relatively small dimension. One side of the disk rack often overlaps the motherboard. To unfasten the screws on the overlapping side, the motherboard has to be removed first to allocate additional space. It is not convenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the aforesaid disadvantages, the present invention aims to provide an improvement to overcome the problems occurring with conventional techniques.

The object of the invention is to provide a loading and unloading structure for external data storage devices to rapidly and easily install and remove external data storage devices from a disk rack.

Another object of the invention is to provide a structure for loading and unloading external data storage devices without using any hand tools.

The foregoing, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the invention will be more readily apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention showing external data storage devices mounted onto a disk rack.

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary schematic view of the present invention showing an external storage device in a loading condition.

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary schematic view of the present invention showing an external storage device in an anchoring condition.

FIG. 2C is a fragmentary schematic view of the present invention showing an external storage device in an unloading condition.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the invention with sliding members mounted onto a transverse beam of a computer casing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The loading and unloading structure for external data storage devices according to the invention includes a disk rack 30 located in a computer host casing and external data storage devices 10 mounted onto the disk rack 30.

Refer to FIG. 1 for a perspective view of the external data storage devices 10 mounted onto the disk rack 30. Each of the external data storage devices 10 has two screw bores 11 spaced at a selected interval on a left side and a right side thereof for fastening to the disk rack 30 through screws. The present invention employs sliding members 20 that are directly coupled with the screw bores 11 on the left side and the right side of the external data storage device 10 without resorting to hand tools for fastening the screws. The sliding members 20 are jutting outside the left side and the right side of the external data storage device 10.

The disk rack 30 has two symmetrical tracks 31. The number of the tracks 31 depends on number of the external data storage devices 10 to be installed on the disk rack 30. For installing the external data storage device 10, it is slid on the tracks 31. Each of the tracks 31 has a plurality of bucking members 32. Each bucking member 32 is surrounded by a gap 321 so that the bucking member 32 can exert an elastic force towards the inner side for pressing.

A positioning elastic member 40 is provided for each track 31. The elastic member 40 is bent in a continuous and irregular shape; it includes a fastening end 41 and a release end 42. The fastening end 41 is located on one side of the track 31 and fastened to the disk rack 30. In the middle portion of the elastic member 40, there is a guiding section 43 and a pressing section 44. The sliding member 20 passes through the guiding section 43 to raise the pressing section 44. There is a retaining section 45 between the pressing section 44 and the release end 42. The retaining section 45 may be formed in an aperture to receive the sliding member 20 for anchoring.

There is a stopping member 50 located on an outer wall surface of the disk rack 30 between the release end 42 and the retaining section 45 abutting the positioning elastic member 40 to limit elastic deformation of the release end 42.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the external data storage device 10 may be directly loaded and installed rapidly. The sliding members 20 on two sides of the external data storage device 10 can slide on the tracks 31 of the disk rack 30, and pass through the guiding section 43, to raise the pressing section 44, and move forwards until held in the retaining sections 45 to anchor the external data storage device 10.

Refer to FIG. 2C, for unloading and removing the external data storage device 10, pry and move the release end 42 away from the side wall of the external data storage device 10 to allow the retaining section 45 to escape the sliding member 20. The sliding member 20 can be moved freely so that the external data storage device 10 may be pulled out and unloaded rapidly. To prevent the release end 42 from being pried and bent excessively, the stopping member 50 is provided to limit the bending range and deformation of the release end 42.

Refer to FIG. 3 for an embodiment of the invention in use. For users who purchase the disk rack 30 of the invention, a transverse beam 80 is provided in a computer host casing 70 for mounting the sliding members 20 by screwing. When an additional external data storage device 10 is procured and to be added, remove the sliding members 20 and fasten the removed sliding members 20 to the screw bores 11 on two sides of the external data storage device 10. Then the external data storage device 10 may be loaded and unloaded rapidly as desired.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been set forth for the purpose of disclosure, modifications to the disclosed embodiment of the invention as well as other embodiments thereof may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to cover all embodiments that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A loading and unloading structure for external data storage devices to anchor the external data storage devices on a corresponding disk rack of a computer casing, comprising: a track located respectively on two sides of the disk rack; sliding members fastened to screw bores formed on two sides of each of the external data storage devices moving reciprocally along the track; and a positioning elastic member having a fastening end on one end to be fastened to one side of the track, a release end on the other end spaced from the disk rack, and a retaining section located between the fastening end and the release end corresponding to and abutting the track; wherein each of the external data storage devices is anchored by coupling the sliding member with the retaining section and removable by actuating the release end.
 2. The loading and unloading structure of claim 1, wherein the disk rack has a stopping member mounted thereon and located on one side of the positioning elastic member.
 3. The loading and unloading structure of claim 1, wherein the disk rack has a plurality of elastic members around the track to form a compression contact with the surface of the external data storage devices.
 4. The loading and unloading structure of claim 1, wherein the positioning elastic member has a fastening end fastened to the disk rack and located on one side of the track, a release end, a guiding section and a pressing section in a middle portion thereof to allow the sliding member to pass through the guiding section to raise the pressing section, and a retaining section located between the pressing section and the release end that latches to the sliding member for positioning the external data storage device. 